Self-erecting tent



Dec. 16, 1958 Filed May 18, 1956 J. F. OLIVER ET AL SELF-ERECTING TENT 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS (/a bass I: 022 may flanald c/ [fay y BY WW M M ATTORNEY SELF-ERECTING TENT.

James F. Oliver, Canoga Park, and Donald J. Kuyper, Riverside, Calif.

Application May 18,1956, Serial No. 585,663

6 Claims. (Cl. 135'4) The present invention relates generally to tents, cabanas, and like portable housings or shelters; and more specifically it relates to such housing or shelter structures which are readily collapsible for transporting, and are self-erecting. This application is a continuation in part of the copendingpatent application of James F. Oliver,

Serial Number 535,110, filed September 19, 1955, for Self-Erecting Tent.

Temporary housing and shelter structures which come withinthe general category'of tents, are by their nature and definition collapsible and portable. However, the tent structures heretofore employed are quite unwieldy to collapse and to erect. Their structural frames are usually formed of multiple independent sections which must be carefully arranged and balanced in..the process of erection, usually requiring. the exercise of considerable skill and judgment in order to obtain a neat and securely erected .tent. Further, most tents of any appreciable size require the cooperation of more than one person in order to balance supporting poles, arches, or the like, and to tension stay lines in multiple directions simultaneously and with precision to afiord the necessary balance of forces. Because such CllfilCllliiES and nuisances as here mentioned are attendant the neat and satisfactory erection of the tent structures of the prior art, the use of collapsiblev flexiblewalled housings of the tent categoryhas been small and for the most part restricted to specialized fields.

In accordance with the present invention, :however, there .is provided a collapsible and v portable-tent structure formed from a plurality of parts which are joined into an integrated unit, so thatthe tent may be readily and easily collapsed and erected by a single attendant, without the exercise of any skill, and with .a'minimum expenditure of effort. And further, the tent is soconstructed that it is self-erecting, requiring of the attendant that he merely orient the collapsed tent on the ground in'accordance with a most simple procedure. It is therefore contemplated that by the practice of the teachings of the pres'entinvention, not only will the use of tents in their current fields of activity be greatly facilitated, but the use of tents and analagousstructures may be expanded into new fields where conventional tent structures have gained little popularity due to their cumbersomeuess. For example, it is contemplated that the present invention is readily adaptable to function as a portable beach cabana, a removable pool-side enclosure or a patio shelter, etc.

it is accordingly the principal'object ofthe present invention to provide a flexible walled-scollapsible and portable housing structure, in the general category of a tent*,.which is readily collapsed and readily erected without the requirement of special skills or the efforts of more than one person.

Another object of the present inventionis toprovidev a to support a flexible fabric enclosure.-

atent" v 2,864,396 Patented Dec. 16, E958 Another object of the present invention is to provide a collapsible frame structure for a housing as aboveindicated, adapted to carry a flexible fabric enclosure in substantially vertical wall orientation.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide ;a tent having a frame formed of a plurality of hinged parts joined into an integrated unit, and incorporating an energy storage device, whereby the structure is self-erecting upon release thereof, in response to energy stored as a result of collapsing the tent.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description of one exemplary specific embodiment thereof, had in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to like or corresponding parts, and wherein:

Fig. 1 is an isometric view of an erected tent structure made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a view of the skeletal frame of the tent structure when in the erected condition shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a side elevation view of the tent structure frame when collapsed;

v Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the tent structure frame when collapsed and folded;

Fig. 5 is a detailed enlarged view of a locking hinge utilized in the tent structure;

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Fig. 5; and

Fig. 7 is an enlarged detailed view of'a spri'ngstructure used for erecting the tent.

Referring to the drawings, it will be seen that the tent there shown comprises an integrated frame structure, generally denoted by the numeral 10, adapted to support and have afiixed thereto a flexible covering or skin 11. The frame it may be fabricated of any suitable structural material, although tubular and/ or channel rodsof aluminum are preferred because of their light weight and strength. The covering 11 may be made of any suitable flexible fabric sheet material desired, such as canvas, woven or sheet plastic, netting, or the like, depending largely upon the intended use of the tent. Although'the tent is shown in the drawings as completely closed by the covering on three upright sides, it need not necessarily be so. Slit flaps, or the like, may be formed'in the covering 11 as deemed appropriate, or windows may be provided, if desired, including for'example transparent inserts in the tent walls, which may be permanently secured or zippered or otherwise fastened in for removal where ventilation is desired.

Considering the frame 10 in detail, it comprises two basic bows or arches 12 and 13, whose ends or bases are pivotallyhinged together as at 14 and 14a. The how 12 defines the ground area of the tent, while how 13 defines the essentially vertical front or entrance of the tent. A third how 15 is supported at its ends angularly intermediate the bows 12 and 13, by means of energy storing assemblies generally denoted by the 'numeralsZtl, 26a. Basically, it is the legs 21, 22 and 21a, 22a of the energy storing assemblies which support the ends of how 15 in the desired relationship angularly intermediate bows 12 and 13, the end of legs 21 and 22 being pivotally se-- cured to bo-ws 12 and 13; respectively at 23and 24, and the ends of legs 21a and 22a being pivotally secured to bows 12 and 13 respectively at 23aand24-zi. The construction and function of the energy storing assemblies 20, 20a! will be described in detail subsequently. The closed or arched ends of all three'bows together with the side legs of bows 12 and. 13 are intended to support and carry the flexible covering 11, and it is contemplated that the covering may be permanently or semi-permanently u ed thereto by any desired and appropriate'means.

The covering may be secured over the bows by buttons or snap fasteners, for example, so that it may be readily attached, and worn coverings readily replaced.

In the basic operation of the tent structure thus far described, it will be readily appreciated that by pivoting bow 13 about its pivots 14 and 14a until it is substantially superposed over bow 12, the structure is transposed from the erect position shown in Fig. 2 to the collapsed position shown in Fig. 3. And in erecting this structure, by elevation of bow 13, the structure is transposed from the condition of Fig. 3 to that of Fig. 2. With reference to bow 15, it may be, and preferably is, freely pivotable between bows 12 and 13 with respect to the energy storing assemblies 20 and 20a and the legs 21, 22 and 21a, 22a thereof, during the erecting and collapsing operations, reliance being had upon the cover 11 properly secured to the bows to locate bow 15 in the desired angular relation with respect to bows 12 and 13. Of particular importance to the present invention is the construction of the energy storing assemblies and 20a. It will be observed from the drawings that as bows 12 and 13 collapse from an angularly separated state toward a collapsed superposed relationship, the legs 21, 22 and 21a, 22a of the assemblies 20, 20a collapse therewith, and vice versa when the bows 12 and 13 are relatively pivoted from collapsed toward open state. This operation ofassemblies 20, 20a functions to impart a linear thrust, either inwardly or outwardly, to the bow 15. The extent of outward thrust is limited by the design of assemblies 20, 2011, the cut of the covering 11, and the extent of relative angular movement between bows 12 and 13.

Turning next to a consideration of structure of the energy storing assemblies 20, 20a in the instant embodiment, reference is had particularly to Figs. 2, 3, and 7. Since these two assemblies are identical, a description of one will sutfice for both. The energy storing assembly comprises two basic parts, a coiled spring 25 and an arbor 26 therefor. A suggested conformation of the arbor is best shown in Fig. 7, and is formed from a wire or rodlike structural material, such as steel. The arbor is shaped to provide a portion 27 adapted to function as a hub or core for carrying the coil 28 of spring 25 thereabout. A second portion 29 of the arbor is designed or adapted to retain the spring coil 28 on the hub, and prevent the coil from axially disengaging from said hub. A third portion 30 of the arbor is a securing means for uniting an end or leg of bow 15 to the arbor, and in the specific form shown comprises two prongs which enter the tubular end of bow 15, and are frictionally retained therein. Although the specific form of the arbor shown 1 is a convenient and practical one, it is presented only by way of example and other arbor forms will be readily apparent, the important criteria being that it contain means for retaining the arbor and spring, or other energy storing means, in assembled relationship and in assembly with the bow 15.

The energy storing means per se is here embodied as the aforementioned spring 25 having the coil 28. The ends of the coil spring extend from the coil to provide the legs 21 and 22. The ends of these legs are each angularly bent to provide dogs which engage in holes therefor in the bows 12 and 13. In applying the energy storage assembly to the bow frame members, the spring 25 may be applied and the arbor 26 assembled therewith, or the arbor and spring may be first assembled and then applied as a unit to the bow frame members. In either event,

position of Fig. 3 to the angularly separated or open' position of approximately 90, as shown in Fig. 2. Bow

15 may then be affixed to the arbor by forcing the tubu-' lar end thereof over the prongs 30 with a friction fit.

With the assembly of parts thus efiected, it can be readily seen that when the parts are collapsed into the in applying the assembly to the bow frame members the,

aforestated dogs at the ends of legs 21 and 22 are inserted in appropriate bores 23 and 24 in bows 12 and 13, and when assembled the dogs may be firmly secured in the bores, as by swaging the ends, or otherwise providing for fastening thereof. Also, in applying the spring to the bow members 12 and 13, the coil 28 must be appropriately tensioned, as is readily apparent, so as to resiliently drive the bows 12 and 13 from a superposed collapsed position shown in Fig. 3, release of how 13 enables the spring 25 to release the energy stored therein by the collapsing operation and to thereby drive bow 13 angularly upward into a substantially vertical position; and if a covering 11 has been properly applied to the frame, bow 15 will be pulled therewith into the angular orientation of Fig. 2, thus erecting the tent. Spring 25 is preferably oriented with respect to bows 12 and 13 so that the limit of desired angular movement therebetween does not perrnit it to go over center, and collapsing of the tent can be readily effected by merely pivoting bow 13 back toward how 12 with the resultant retensioning of the spring. Although it is preferred to avoid ovcr center operation of the spring 25, such is not excluded, and by appropriate provisions it can readily be done, and is encompassed within the scope of the present invention. The limit of pivotal separation of bows 12 and 13 may be defined solely by the tightening of the covering 11 about the frame as the latter expands or opens. But in view of the tendency of most fabrics to stretch under tension. appropriate limit stop means may be provided, such as in connection with pivot joints 14, 14a, by forming cooperating abutments 82, 83, and/ or a detent, or other like means.

In addition to providing a drive for angularly separating bows 12 and 13 into erected tent position, the construction of the energy storage assemblies 20, 20a also provides a linear thrust and travel to bow 15 outwardly from pivot 14 during tent erection operation, and a linear inward thrust and travel toward pivot 14 during tent collapsing operation. The limit of this thrust operation is at least in part defined by the limit of pivotal movement of bows 12 and 13. Because of the linear thrust characteristics inherent in the operation of the energy storage as sembly, the bracing provided by how 15 affords an angular conformation between the rear wall and roof of the tent when erect, and a more nearly vertical rear wall than is obtainable with uniform length bows all fanning pivot ally from a single pivot axis such as 14, 14a. And at the same time, with the construction of assembly 20, when the tent is collapsed, bow 15 is thrust inwardly to conform with collapsed dimensions of bows 12 and 13. To obtain the present erected tent conformation without linear thrust linkages such as 20, 20a, bow 15 would have to be longer than bows 12 and 13, and thus would not conform to the perimeter of the latter when collapsed.

As a further feature of the present invention, the legs of the bows 12, 13, and 15 are each pivotally broken or hinged in two parts at 51, 52, and 53 on one side, and at 51a, 52a, and 53a on the other side. Through this construction, when the structure is collapsed as in Fig. 2, each set of side legs may be folded inwardly into the position shown in Fig. 4, to materially reduce the overall dimensions of the collapsed structure and enhance its portability. As is readily apparent, when the tent structure is in the erected condition of Fig. 2, the legs of the bows cannot be folded about the pivot hinges, so that the tent will not collapse or fold about these joints; and similarly when the tent structure is collapsed and folded into the condition of Fig. 4, due to the breaking of the side legs about their hinges, the structure cannot erect itself until the legs of the bows are straightened.

Nevertheless, because of play in the bow leg hinges, and the possibility that sufficient strain on said hinges would tend to collapse the erected tent to some extent, it is important to secure the erected tent against such possibility. Therefore, to increase the stability of the erected tent and to insure against breaking of the bow legs on their intermediate hinges when the tent is opened,

' and folded structure.

the hinges 52, 52r z.of-bow 13 may be formed 'with a special locking structure as shown in Figs. 5 and 6.

Only the structure of hinge 52 is shown, since hinge 52a is identical thereto. At the union of the top or arch portion 13a with the leg portion 13b of how 13, a short length 13c of portion"13a is somewhat flattened and overlaps asimilarly formed short length 134 ofportion 13b. The two portions are hingedly secured togetherby,

relationship. A locking pin 43 is secured bymeans of chain 44 and fastener 45 to section 13b of how 13, and may be inserted in bores 41 and 42 when in registry, as shown in Fig. 6, to lock portions 13a and l3b-against pivotal movement about pivot pin 40. To facilitate alignment or registry of bores 41 and 42 and obtaining the desired in-line relationship of the bow leg portions with the bow arch portions, the end 47 of length 13c is appropriately fashioned with an angularQcurved, or cutaway portion to abut stop-pin 46 carried in length 134, and thus define the limit of pivotal movement between the bow leg portions and bow arch portions. Thus, when the broken bow legs are pivoted into the in-line position of Fig. 5 and the locking pins 43 of joints 52 and 52a are properly inserted therein, the legs of bows 12, 13 and are all secured against pivotal movement about their pivot hinges 51, 52, 53, and 5111,52 1, 53a. Ifdesired, similar joint constructions may be provided at each or any of the stated pivot hinges.

It is further desirable that cover plates 48 and 49 be provided for locking hinges 52 and 52a. And where this is done, the plates may conveniently be provided with extending portions each having; an aperture 50, which may be utilized to fasten guy ropes 90, and thus securely anchor the tent.

Having provided locking pins 43 secured by chains 44 to portions 1% of how 13, this pin may also be readily used, when the cut is in collapsed state, to securely lock the tent against erection under the force of spring 25. For this purpose, apertures 91 are provided in bow 12 for receiving the pins 43 when the tent is collapsed, thus securely restraining the tent against erection, as shown in Fig. 3.

The foregoing structure is in itself a complete tent, but there may be provided a combined awning and front closure how 71. The awning or closure bow 71 is pivotally secured at 72 and 72a to the front how 13 near the top thereof, for swinging movement about a horizontal axis. This awning frame is adapted also to support and carry a corresponding portion of the covering material 11, and may be used as an awning when in the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2, or as a closure member when swung upwardly about pivots 72 and 72a to a position in front of the tent opening. Principally to facilitate compacting the tent when in the collapsed and folded condition of Fig. 4, the legs of the awning bow are hingedly broken at "73 and 73a, so that the awning frame may be doubled back on itself as shown in Fig. 3. from the end of the awning, the principal function of which is to provide a wrapping to encircle the tent when in collapsed and folded condition, and appropriate snaps, fasteners, ties, or the like may be provided to secure flaps '74 after it has been wrapped about the collapsed Hinges 72, 72a, 73 and 73a may be friction bearings so that the awning will retain its adjusted orientation, or other means may be provided A flap 7d of covering material may extend 6 for folding the awningframe in extended position. The awning and associated flap may be utilized together to form a front closure for the tent, and where appropriate, the flap may be utilized to extend the awning outwardly, where trees or stakes may be available for supporting the same. Y

In usingthe present structure, starting with an erected tent, it may be readily collapsed by pushing back on bow 13 causing it to pivot about 14, 14a, until the structure is completely-collapsed with how 13 overlying bows 15 and 12 as shown in Fig. 3. Since this action tensions the springs in assemblies 20, 20a through the spring legs 21, 22 and 21a, 22a, the structure must be held in'the collapsed position, otherwise it will erect itself. To this end the locking pins 43 are-withdrawn from the hinges 52, 52a and inserted in apertures 91 from the underside of bow 12. The legs of the bows on each side of the structure are then folded inwardly about their pivot hinges 51, 51a, 52, 52a, and 53, 53a. The awning is then folded down upon bow 13 about pivots 72, 72a and folded back on itself about pivots 73, 73a into the position shown in Fig. 3. The flap 74 may then be wrapped around the structure and appropriately fastened, and the tent is ready'for transporting. A handle may be applied to flap 74, if desired, or to the arch of how 12, for example, to facilitate carrying the structure. To erect the tent, fiap 74 is unwrapped, the folded legs of the bows 12, 13 and 15 are straightened, locking pins 4-3 are withdrawn from apertures 91, and the energy stored in the springs of assemblies 20, 29a during collapsing'of the structure operates to automatically erect bows'13 and 15 and thrust how 15 outwardly, causing the tent to assume its fullyerected condition without further effort on the part of the attendant. The awning or closure- 71 may then be adjusted to the desired position. If it is desired to secure the erected tent against, movement bywind or other forces, stakes may be driven into the ground and guy ropes fastened thereto and to the eyes in hinges 52 and 52a.

In connection with the foregoing description, and particularly with regard to Figs. 2, 3, and 4, the frame structure is illustrated stripped of the covering material for the purpose of clearly showing the operative relationships of the frame parts. However, it should be understood that the positions of the frame structure shown are those obtained when the covering is secured over and to the frame.

It will thus be seen that the present invention arfords a tent type structure which may be readily collapsed and folded for transporting, and which is self-erecting into a substantially vertically walled housing. ltis understood that the foregoing specific embodiment of this invention is presented merely by way of example, and that various "modifications and adaptations thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and adaptations as are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims are therefore contemplated by the present invention.

We claim:

1. In a tent, a frame structure therefor comprising first and second members hingedly connected together adjacent their ends for relative pivotal movement between a substantially superposed closed relationship angularly separated open relationship, a third frame member suspended angularly intermediate said first and second members, an energy storing and thrust means suspending said third member, said means comprising a spring having a central portion and two legs extending therefrom adapted to tension the spring by relative opposite angular movements thereof, a first of said spring legs being connected to said first member at a point removed from the hinge connection, the second of said spring legs being connected to said second member at a point removed from said hinge connection, said spring being oriented relative to said first and second members to. provide opposite angular and spring tensioning movement of said legs when said first and second members are pivoted from an angularly separated open relationship toward a superposed closed relationship and to space said central portion from said hinge connection inwardly of the angle between said first and second members, and means connecting said third member to a point on said spring inter mediate the ends of said legs, said spring being further oriented relative to said first and second frame members to move said third member connecting means linearly toward said hinge connection during angular relative movement of said first and second members toward a closed relationship, and to move said third member connecting means linearly outwardly away from said hinge connection during angular relative movement of said first and second members toward an open relationship.

2. In a tent as defined in claim 1, each of said three frame members being bows, said first and second members being hingedly connected adjacent both ends thereof, an energy storing and thrust means being present adjacent each first and second bow hinged connection, said third member connecting means being present adjacent each end of said third bow to connect each end of the third bow with each said energy storing and thrust means, and a covering secured to and carried by said bows to provide a sheltered enclosure.

3. In a tent as defined in claim 1, said spring central section being a coil terminating in said legs extending therefrom, and said means connecting said third member to said spring, comprising an arbor having a section providing a hub for said coil, means for retaining said coil and hub in assembled relationship, and a section connected to said third member.

4. A tent structure comprising a frame and a flexible fabric covering aflixed to said frame, said frame comprising a first essentially arcuate bow adapted to lie on the ground, a second essentially arcuate bow hinged to said first bow at their respective ends for pivotal movement between a substantially upright position and a position substantially overlying said first how, a third essentially arcuate bow suspended at its ends angularly intermediate said first and second bows, a suspension means for suspending said third bow comprising a spring having a centrally coiled section and terminating in two legs extending therefrom with the two legs connected respectively to the first and second bows adjacent one set of first and second bow hinged ends, a second spring having a central coil section and terminating in two legs extending therefrom with the legs connected respectively to the first and second bows adjacent the second set of first and second bow hinged ends, and an arbor for each spring having a hub portion assembled with the coil of the respective spring and means connecting said hub with a respective end of said third bow, said springs being oriented to be tensioned by pivotal movement of said first two bows toward overlying relationship, and further oriented to provide for linear movement of said coils toward their respective first and second bow hinged connections on movement of said second bow toward overlying relation with said first bow and for linear movement of said coils away from their respective first and second bow hinged connections inwardly of the angle between said first and second bow on movement of said second bow toward said substantially upright position.

5. A tent structure as defined in claim 4, wherein each of said bows is hingedly broken at a point intermediate its ends to enable compacting of the structure when said first and second bows are pivoted to a substantially over- 1 lying position.

6. A tent structure as defined in claim 5, and further including a lock means for selectively securing the bows against hingedly breaking.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 302,506 Long July 22, 1884 1,819,490 Weiss Aug. 18, 1931 2,014,336 Marthaler Sept. 10, 1935 2,023,813 Jolly Dec. 10, 1935' 2,142,851 Jolly Jan. 3, 1939 FOREIGN PATENTS 108,959 Great Britain Aug. 30, 1917' 

